Grow Your Business

Chamber Hosted Support

Business After Hours

Held at chamber business locations, this monthly networking event brings 75-125+ investors together to learn more about other investor businesses and how investors can help each other promote their business.

Good Morning, Lakeland!

Our new networking breakfast series, Good Morning, Lakeland!, will feature relevant topics including Government, Healthcare, Education, Diversity, Tourism, Economic Development and Transportation. Come to network with fellow investors, hear from experts on the topics that effect your business and enjoy a delicious breakfast.

Leads Groups

Leads Groups exist to offer business networking opportunities to non-competing business owners and key managers. These small groups of Chamber leaders meet weekly to exchange sales leads and learn more about fellow member businesses. Participation in a Leads Group is voluntary, and each group has developed its own set of guidelines for participation and membership. Members are encouraged to visit each group to find their best fit! To schedule your visit to a Leads Group, or to learn more about the Leads Group opportunity, contact Terry Ottinger at (863) 688-8551 Ext. 231 or tottinger@lakelandchamber.com

Florida SBDC at USF

The Florida SBDC at USF holds office hours at the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please contact Carl Hadden, Assistant Director, Florida SBDC at USF, Polk County at (863) 688-8551 Ext. 237

SCORE

Central Florida SCORE hosts a Roundtable on the 4th Thursday of each month, except November & December, from 7:30 to 8:30 AM and also workshops at various time at the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce. Call (863) 688-8551 ext. 231 or tottinger@lakelandchamber.com

New Business 101

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce will host four sessions of New Business 101 that will help businesses finalize their business plans and gain valuable information from city and county ombudsmen, bank officials, marketing professionals and local business mentors before opening their doors. All new businesses that complete the courses will receive a complimentary 6 month chamber membership, as well as a SCORE mentor to assist them in their business venture. The course will also help new applicants by feeding them in to the chamber programs that will most benefit their prospective business.

We have Chamber investors that specialize in one-on-one coaching and can work with you to help you grow your business. Check out our Business Directory for more information.

Additional Growth Opportunities

Catapult

Catapult is a place where entrepreneurs can flourish in the heart of downtown Lakeland. They provide a one-of-a-kind space, educational programs, workshops, and mentoring opportunities to launch businesses and take start-ups to the next level.

Lakeland Economic Development Council

Lakeland Economic Development Council is a private non-profit organization with more than 175 member companies. With staff dedicated to growing high-skill, high-wage jobs for the area, the LEDC’s primary role is to help create jobs and capital investment by attracting new companies as well as facilitating the expansion of existing companies.

Small Business Loan Funding & Incentives

Your Local Commercial Lender

We have a great group of member commercial lenders willing to talk to you about your options. You can find commercial lenders in our Business Directory.

Lakeland CRA

The City of Lakeland and the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency have a number of wonderful incentives to assist in real estate and business development. While many of the incentives are based on geographical location we also have incentives which are based on employment and job creation. We hope that you will take advantage of all that Lakeland has to offer.

Enterprise Zone Incentives

Lakeland's Enterprise Zone promotes economic revitalization. The Florida Enterprise Zone program offers financial incentives to businesses located in designated areas found in urban and rural communities. These incentives are offered to encourage private investment in the zone as well as employment opportunities for the area's residents.